Honorary awards recognise WA trailblazers

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Joining more than 2000 ECU students receiving their degrees at the
February 2017 ECU graduation ceremonies were three very special people who were
recognised for their important work in the areas of cancer research, Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander health policy and safeguarding Indigenous children.

Professor Michael
Millward

Fellow of the University

Professor Millward is an international expert on the management of
thoracic malignancies and melanoma and a leader in oncology. He is the
Foundation Cancer Council Chair of Clinical Cancer Research at the University
of Western Australia and has been a Professor at the UWA since 2003. He is also
a Consultant Medical Oncologist at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and Linear
Clinical Research.

“ECU academics and the ECU Melanoma Research Group have benefited from
and been empowered by Professor Millward’s willingness and openness to
collaborate and associate with them in their ongoing research work,” he said.

Dr Patricia Audrey
Anderson AO

Doctor of Medical Science honoris causa

Ms Anderson has published essays, papers, and articles, and co-authored
the seminal Report of the Board of Inquiry into the Protection of Aboriginal
Children from Sexual Abuse titled “Ampe Akelyernemane Mek Mekarle” “Little
Children are Sacred” with Mr Rex Wild QC in 2007. This pivotal work was a
powerful advocate for change, highlighting the rights and needs of Indigenous
children.

Ms Anderson has been the Chairperson of the Lowitja Institute,
Australia’s national institute for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health
research, since January 2010 and involved with the Institute’s predecessor
organisations since 1997.

“With her belief in humanity, in fostering understanding, compassion and
honesty between people and in dedicating her life to advancement, Ms Anderson
has helped change the Australian landscape for Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander peoples,” Professor Chapman said.

Dr June Oscar AO

Doctor of the University honoris causa

June Oscar is an Aboriginal Leader, an inspiring role model and a
tireless advocate for the Indigenous community of Western Australia

Ms Oscar has had an immense impact on health and social welfare
programs, particularly in the remote communities of Western Australia. Her
inspirational leadership in fighting for alcohol restrictions in Fitzroy
Crossing in 2007 served to highlight the number of children afflicted with
fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (or FASD), generating relevant research and
practical solutions

Professor Chapman said “Ms Oscar embodies the values espoused by ECU of
integrity, respect, personal excellence and rational inquiry, and in doing so
is creating a positive future for the people of Fitzroy Crossing, the Kimberley
Valley and beyond.”